Liquid Metal-Based Reconfigurable And Repairable Electronics Designed By A Femtosecond Laser

Patterning liquid metal (LM) on a solid surface is highly required for flexible electronics. However, a simple way to prepare repairable and reconfigurable LM patterns remains a challenge. In this article, we pattern porous network microstructures on a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) surface and selectively realize "super-metal-phobicity" by femtosecond (fs) laser microfabrication. The untreated area shows ultrahigh adhesion to LM, while the laser-ablated area presents ultralow adhesion. After being brushed over the whole surface, LM can be selectively wetted, forming repairable circuits. Besides, by controlling the width of the microstructured groove, a reconfigurable patch antenna is also designed and achieved. It is anticipated that the fs laser-induced super-metal-phobic surfaces will have potential applications in wearable devices, frequency-modulated antennas, and reconfigurable electronics.